While the move is a key first step, it also raises questions about addressing the root problem, curbing free speech, and establishing a time frame. Facebook, Google, TikTok, and Twitter made commitments at the UN Generation Equality Forum in Paris on July 1 to tackle online abuse of women on their platforms. This is the outcome of a 14-month initiative led by the Web Foundation, involving people from tech companies, governments, digital rights organisations, civil society, and women affected by online abuse. 38% of women globally have directly experienced abuse online and this figure rises to 45% for Gen Zs and Millennials, the Web Foundation stated in its press release. The abuse is far worse for women of color and women from the LGBTQ+ community as well as other marginalised groups. "The consequences can be devastating, causing mental and physical harm, silencing women's voices, and delivering an economic blow to those who rely on tech platforms for their livelihoods," the release added. "With their resources and reach, these four companies have the power to curb this abuse and improve online experiences for hundreds of millions of women and girls," Web Foundation Senior Policy Manager Azmina Dhrodia said. What is the focus of these commitments? The commitments focus on two major themes: Curation: Focused on giving women more control and choice over what they see online, when they see it, and how they see it. This includes: Offering more granular settings such as who can see, share, comment, or reply to posts Providing easy access…
